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ALH delay holding up de-induction of old Army copters: CAG report

NEW DELHI: The delay in the supply of Advanced Light Helicopters by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to the Army has resulted in delay in the de-induction of old fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters that could impact its operational preparedness, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India noted on Friday.

In its latest report tabled in Parliament, the CAG said the Army had given HAL a Rs. 1,747 crore contract for 40 ALH which were being inducted with technological gaps. The induction of another 105 ALH valued at Rs. 9,490 crore with ``Shakti” engine had been unduly delayed.

It said the government approved the project in 1984 for design and development of ALH by HAL in collaboration with M/s Turbomeca, France, based on Qualitative Requirements (QRs) of the Air Force. The project was completed in June 2001 at a cost of Rs. 2,488 crore of which the Army’s share was Rs. 809 crore.

In September 1995, the Army projected a requirement of 99 helicopters to be inducted by 2007 which was later scaled down to 40. The ALH was not able to fly above 5000 metres, though the Army’s requirement stipulated up to 6,500 metres. The deficiency was on account of the B2 engines and its vibration level was not within the acceptable limits. Despite the shortcomings, four ALHs were accepted by the Army and an order for eight more was placed to sustain the production lines of HAL. The Defence Minister provided a one-time waiver for ALH not meeting the QRs following assurances by HAL to identify a more powerful engine for B2 while trying to improve its performance and reduce the basic empty weight of the helicopter from 2,250 kg to 2,450 kg.

In December 2007, the Ministry finalised another three contracts with HAL for procurement of 105 ALHs, which were to be fitted with newly developed Shakti engine.

“Army Aviation (Maintenance Advisory Group) at HAL Bangalore stated in September 2008 that Shakti engine under development had deficiency in power and necessary improvements were underway. Therefore, it is not yet certain whether another 105 ALH ordered in December 2007 would be devoid of shortcomings and meet the Army’s requirement”, the report said.

Corrections and Clarifications

The fourth paragraph in a report "[Advanced Light Helicopter] ALH delay holding up de-induction of old Army copters: CAG report" (July 12, 2009) said "The Defence Minister provided a one- time waiver for ALH . while trying to improve its performance and reduce the basic empty weight of the helicopter from 2,250 kg to 2,450 kg." It should have been "from 2,450 kg to 2,250 kg".

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